Motorhome Australia Episode 9

The next part of journey took us from Camooweal to Darwin and quick visit back home to Brisbane.

Barkly Homestead and Wayside Inn is remote roadhouse on the Barkly Highway Barkly between Camooweal in Qld and Tennant Creek in the NT offering travellers and locals Fuel, food, and a place to rest before continuing on their way.  The newly renovated bar & dining is an outback oasis.
Crossing the Barkly highway we rested at Spinifex Farm Stay a working cattle farm on the outskirts of Tennant Creek.  The station runs 10,000 head of cattle on 860,000 arces.  The surround area's are mined for Gold and Copper with surface nuggets found on surrounding hill's.

Larrimah Hotel & Wayside Inn is an Iconic Outback Pub with Pink Panther theming and eclectic collection of bits and pieces from all over include a resident Croc. 
Its also renouned for Paddy Moriarty disappearence, a true crime mystery and featured in Netflix Series 'Last Stop Larrimah"

We camped at a rest stop 10 minutes out of Matranka to ensure we could get to the Bitter Springs Camp grounds by 8am and hope to get a spot, as they don't take bookings. 
After securing a wonderful site nestled amongst the trees, we walked about 500m to the Bitter Springs with our pool noodles.

The Bitter Springs is a beautiful thermal spring where crystal-clear, warm waters flow gently through the palm fringed spring. It’s a relaxing spot to float along with the current and soak up the tranquil and tropical surroundings.

Nathan 'Whippy' Griggs holds the world record for single whip and double whip cracks per minute as well as the longest whip ever cracked.
We were thoroughly entertained by his skill, comedy and interactions with the audience.
There's no entry fee, just a donation of appreciation if you enjoyed his show

Mataranka Homestead is another camping and Thermal Pool option in Mataranka

Katherine is a vibrant gateway between the Outback, Kimberly and the Top End. It’s known for the stunning Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, natural hot springs, and a strong connection to local Aboriginal culture and art.

Edith Falls, also known as Leliyn, is located about 60 km north of Katherine. It features a series of natural rock pools and waterfalls fed by the Edith River.
The area offers a popular swimming spot, a well-maintained campground, and walking tracks including the Leliyn Loop and the longer Jatbula Trail.

The Lazy Lizard Tavern at Pine Creek is an iconic outback Northern Territory Pub with Crocs & Horns however it has a shed out the back that is every Rev heads dream.   Cars, Motorbikes, vintage signs and amazing collections.  The entry fee is a $5 per person donation to The Melanoma Institute of Australia.

Batchelor was once a World War II airbase and later a key mining town, its home to a replica of Karlštejn Castle which was built by the indomital Bernie Halvik over a 5 year period from 1978. 
The town was also the winner of the year 2000 National Tidy Town award, and today is best known as the gateway to Litchfield National Park

With Berry Springs being 38 minutes from Darwin and 18 minute from Humpty Doo we dropped in for a swim multiple time during our stay in Darwin.

The CMCA RV Park in Humpty Doo is the best value RV accommodation near Darwin and is located just 30 minutes from Darwin's CBD and next door to the famous Humpty Doo Hotel.

We loved the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.  At centre of the precinct is an aqua park and wave pool.  The walkways take you out to the cruise liner wharf and stoke hill wharf. 
Restaurants and Cafe surround the precinct.  The tides in Darwin have an 8m rise and fall which is mind blowing for us from Brisbane.

The Iconic Mindil beach sunset markets didn't disappoint.  Lots of unquie arts, crafts & jewellery to browse through and plenty of food & drink options also.  We enjoyed our Thai Laksa and Vanilla Slice from the Naught Corner was a delicous treat.
Watching the camels walking along the beach was also novel with their final lap on sunset. 
Many found a spot on the beach to watch the sunset on the water.
After sunset, the markets continued and so to the live music.

Not too far from Humpty Doo is the Jumping Crocs. 
The Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise didn't disappoint.  A quick boat cruise down the Adelaide River we located the crocs and tour guides entice the crocs to jump for a meat snack.

Barkly Homestead
Big Things - Fighting goanna's
Tennant Creek
Spinafex farmstay
Mataranka
Bitter Springs
Nathan Griggs whip cracking show
Mataranka Homestead & Thermal Springs
Katherine
Katherine Hot Springs
Edith falls
Batchelor
Sundance farm CMCA RV Park
Berry Springs
Humpty Doo
CMCA RV Park
Humpty Doo Hotel
Wak Wak
Jumping Crocodile #jumpingcrocs
Darwin
Mindil Beach Sunset Market and sunset
Silo Art
Waterfront Precinct
Darwin Airport